Report:   

The second game of the season saw us up against Wilford mavericks.

In a close opening half Wilford got the initial break through with a well-taken goal after an excellent through ball. Joe equalised with a superb solo effort before Wilford again took the lead with another good finish after a fine breakaway move. Both sides had good chances with Steve producing several good stops in the Netherfield goal, while the Mavericks keeper saved from Joe and Martin, with Matthew and Aidan having good chances without finding the target, before Aidan latched onto a loose ball and produced a fine left footed finish. The teams went in 2-2, which was a fair reflection of what was a very tight first half.

Netherfield started the second half more purposefully. Martin gave them a deserved lead. Collecting the ball just outside the area, he escaped his marker before perfectly side footing the ball into the corner of the net. Minutes later Matthew made it 4-2 following up his own shot from an Aidan cross after the Mavericks keeper had made a brilliant initial save. The colts could have sewn up the game, but despite some great football Matthew, Joe, Aidan and Dan all missed good chances. A couple of defensive mistakes later and Wilford were level again. Joe put Netherfield back in front from a narrow angle after an excellent show of dribbling skills. Matthew added the sixth slotting after latching onto an excellent through ball from Joe. Wilford had a goal disallowed for offside before pulling the score back to 6-5 with just seconds remaining.

This was a strange game. In parts both teams played some very attractive passing football, but there were also some periods were the play was a little scrappy. Steve and the Mavericks keeper had very good games, Steve saving the defence on several occasions. Aidan and Martin who both gave fine all round performances were probably the pick of the outfield players.

There wasn’t much between the teams on the day, but on the balance of chances Netherfield just deserved to shade what was a very close match.

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